CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Coastal Bend woman will host the Heart and Sole Run/Walk on North Padre Island on March 9 as part of a campaign to raise awareness about the risks of heart disease.

Karen Perez, a registered nurse and business owner, is one of four 2024 American Heart Association Women of Influence. Every year, people nominate a woman to represent their community in raising money to fight cardiovascular disease.

According to the AHA, CVD is the greatest health threat to women. Almost 45% of women over the age of 20 have some form of her CVD.

As part of a number of fundraising events, Mr. Perez will honor the memory of his loved one by participating in a 1,000-person jog/walk and 5,000 run/walk for children on the Padre Island Seawall on the morning of March 9th. I am calling on people to do so.

Perez said the event has no time limit and there are no prizes, but the first 100 people to register will receive a participation medal.

She asks participants to send a photo of a loved one who has died from heart disease, diabetes or stroke with each registration. Each photo will be placed on the “Memory Heart Wall.”

If you are unable to attend the event in person, a virtual option will be available from March 3rd to March 10th.

To submit a photo of your loved one and register for the walk, visit the Heart and Sole 5k Run/Walk website.

To donate to the American Heart Association, click here.